This book discusses the trust models for next-generation Blockchain ecosystems. The book provides a comprehensive discussion on various trust factors involving security, anonymization, reputation, governance, economic models, and other relevant determinants. The book covers various topics in breadth and depth. In addition, it sets the foundation to involve the readers in understanding the core theories supplemented with technical and experimental discussion. The book starts by laying out the foundations of trust models in Blockchain ecosystems. The authors then provide a study of existing trust models Blockchain networks. They then provide identification of trust factors and discuss each trust factor. The book concludes with a future outlook of trust-enabling Blockchain ecosystems. Outlines the trust models for next-generation Blockchain ecosystems; Covers the trust issues in various Blockchain ecosystems running in public, private, consortium, and cloud environments; Features issues such has privacy, security, scalability, and requirements in Blockchain.

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology, DESRIST 2023, which was held in Pretoria, South Africa, from May 31–June 2, 2023. The 29 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 81 submissions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections: Design-oriented Research for Society 5.0 (Theme Track); Design of Systems Using Emerging Technologies; Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI); Healthcare Systems and Quality of Life; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Emerging DSR Methods and Processes; Education and DRS; Human Safety and Cybersecurity; Co-Desing and Collective Creativity for Addressing Grand Challenges; and Sustainability and Responsible Design.

Quantum information and contemporary smart network domains are so large and complex as to be beyond the reach of current research approaches. Hence, new theories are needed for their understanding and control. Physics is implicated as smart networks are physical systems comprised of particle-many items interacting and reaching criticality and emergence across volumes of macroscopic and microscopic states. Methods are integrated from statistical physics, information theory, and computer science. Statistical neural field theory and the AdS/CFT correspondence are employed to derive a smart network field theory (SNFT) and a smart network quantum field theory (SNQFT) for the orchestration of smart network systems. Specifically, a smart network field theory (conventional or quantum) is a field theory for the organization of particle-many systems from a characterization, control, criticality, and novelty emergence perspective.This book provides insight as to how quantum information science as a paradigm shift in computing may influence other high-impact digital transformation technologies, such as blockchain and machine learning. Smart networks refer to the idea that the internet is no longer simply a communications network, but rather a computing platform. The trajectory is that of communications networks becoming computing networks (with self-executing code), and perhaps ultimately quantum computing networks. Smart network technologies are conceived as autonomous self-operating computing networks. This includes blockchain economies, deep learning neural networks, autonomous supply chains, self-piloting driving fleets, unmanned aerial vehicles, industrial robotics cloudminds, real-time bidding for advertising, high-frequency trading networks, smart city IoT sensors, and the quantum internet.

The internet of things (IoT) has massive potential to transform current business models and enhance human lifestyles. With the current pace of research, IoT will soon find many new horizons to touch. IoT is now providing a base of technological advancement in various realms such as pervasive healthcare, smart homes, smart cities, connected logistics, automated supply chain, manufacturing units, and many more. IoT is also paving the path for the emergence of the digital revolution in industrial technology, termed Industry 4.0. Transforming the Internet of Things for Next-Generation Smart Systems focuses on the internet of things (IoT) and how it is involved in modern day technologies in a variety of domains. The chapters cover IoT in sectors such as agriculture, education, business and management, and computer science applications. The multi-disciplinary view of IoT provided within this book makes it an ideal reference work for IT specialists, technologists, engineers, developers, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in how IoT will be implemented in the next generation of smart systems and play an integral role in advancing technology in the future.

How the blockchain—a system built on foundations of mutual mistrust—can become trustworthy The blockchain entered the world on January 3, 2009, introducing an innovative new trust architecture: an environment in which users trust a system—for example, a shared ledger of information—without necessarily trusting any of its components. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is the most famous implementation of the blockchain, but hundreds of other companies have been founded and billions of dollars have been invested in similar applications since Bitcoin’s launch. Some see the blockchain as offering more opportunities for criminal behavior than benefits to society. In this book, Kevin Werbach shows how a technology resting on foundations of mutual mistrust can become trustworthy. The blockchain, built on open software and decentralized foundations that allow anyone to participate, seems like a threat to any form of regulation. In fact, Werbach argues, law and the blockchain need each other. Blockchain systems that ignore law and governance are likely to fail, or to become outlaw technologies irrelevant to the mainstream economy. That, Werbach cautions, would be a tragic waste of potential. If, however, we recognize the blockchain as a kind of legal technology that shapes behavior in new ways, it can be harnessed to create tremendous business and social value.

The rapid advancement of technology is disrupting traditional leadership paradigms, challenging leaders to adapt to new ways of thinking and operating. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing industries, creating a pressing need for leaders who can navigate this digital landscape effectively. However, many leaders need to gain the knowledge and skills to harness these technologies to their full potential, leading to missed opportunities and ineffective leadership practices. Impact of New Technology on Next-Generation Leadership offers a comprehensive solution to this pressing challenge. This book provides a deep dive into how emerging technologies reshape leadership roles and responsibilities, offering practical insights and strategies for leaders to thrive in this new era. This book is essential reading for graduates, post-graduates, and professionals in management and related fields, as well as academics and researchers seeking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving leadership landscape.